As we approach the middle of February, the Carolina Hurricanes are in a good spot atop the Metro Division. Team success is the most important goal, but some individuals are having elite seasons.
Martin Necas did not make the All-Star game but is truly having an All-Star season through 51 games.
Already setting career highs, Necas sits in the lead for points on Carolina with 47. Of the 47 points, 21 of those are goals that shatter his previous career high of 16.
Additionally, his previous career high in points was 41.
With 31 games remaining in the season, Necas has the chance to cap a special season with some individual marks.
Can Necas reach 90 points?
At the start of the season, it appeared that Andrei Svechnikov seemed destined to reach the 50-goal mark. Due to a cold streak that may not happen this season.
If Necas can avoid a cold streak like Svechnikov, he will have a strong chance of reaching 90 points.
The 24 year old has more versatility to his game than Svechnikov which will allow him to avoid any long stretches without points.
The speed and creativity of Necas will prove to be the heart beat of this team throughout the rest of the season and into the playoffs.
Currently, the former first round draft pick is 50th in the entire NHL in points but is a hot streak away from being in the top 30.
12 times this year the right handed center has had multi point games, in fact, only 18 games this season he failed to register a point.
Although Svechnikov is a sniper, number 88 is much more. The willingness to shoot the puck, combined with his passing ability has resulted in a lethal force for the Canes for the rest of this season and beyond.
The All-Star break has given Necas a chance to rest and continue his current point streak of 5 games against the New York Rangers on Saturday.